What to Expect from Your Documentary Family Photography Session

Documentary Family Photography is a new family photography experience for many people. Here are answers to some common questions and concerns about what the session will be like.

What is Documentary Family Photography?

Quite simply, it’s photos of your real life - and you get to be in them! Documentary Family Photography is a photojournalistic approach to family pictures. It isn’t candid or lifestyle - it’s a step beyond that. This is meaningful storytelling about what a family's life is like at a particular moment in time. It's unique to each family, it keeps moments authentic, and shows beauty, tenderness, and humor in ways that aren’t always so obvious.

How does it work?

A photographer spending time in your home, making art out of your real life? Sounds kind of intimidating, right? It’s actually very relaxed and comfortable, I promise! I keep sessions simple; nothing is posed or directed, so I won't suggest location, lighting changes, activities, or ask anyone to repeat something that they did. Many families find that this also helps them feel at ease shortly into the session. 

There will be no pressure to do anything special during the session; you can go about your day as usual and I'll photograph the moments and connections as I see them. I won't be a fly on the wall or creeping behind your house plants; I'll be right in the action. It will feel like I'm a friend hanging out with you and your family for the day. I’ll chat with you, learn about your lives, laugh with your kids, and eat meals with you. All with a camera in my hand!

What if my family is too real?

Since I'll be with your family for some time, it's perfectly normal for the kids to go through the full spectrum of emotion and behavior during the session. Plus, I have seen it all from my own children! Photographing families in their homes has given me an interesting perspective – every family has their own unique challenges, of course, but there are so many parenting struggles that we are all experiencing. If you’ve ever wondered whether or not other families are dealing with the same things that you are, know that the answer is a resounding “YES!” You are not alone! So please don’t let the pressure of perfection hold you back from having your real life photographed. The photos that you will have afterwards will be so precious to you, especially as your children grow out of the behaviors that once felt eternal to you in the moment.  

What should we wear?

Matching outfits are gently discouraged. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and most like yourself! Your family’s confidence will shine in the photographs when everyone is wearing their favorite outfit.  

What activities should we do?

You can absolutely plan a fun outing or activity if you’d like to, but if you or your family don’t feel up to it you don’t need to do anything out of the ordinary during the session. I’ve been known to make a great couch potato photo!

Feeling ready?

I think you’ll find that this will not only be the easiest and best family photography session that you’ve ever done, but it will also showcase your family dynamic so well that you’ll be coming back for more each year. And I hope that you choose me for the very special task of documenting your life.

Find a session that fits your needs and your budget.

Take a look at documentary style sessions that I’ve done for other families for further inspiration.

Ready to book? Yay! I can’t wait to get to know your wonderful family.